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Member since 1/3/06
Posts: 472
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Posted on: 2/24/06 3:40 PM ET
I've been doing a lot of reading on this site about threads/brands/types. I think I've figured out the "ideal" - according to the wise sewers here. Unfortunately, my local choices are limited, and sometimes I'd like to be able to shop locally, and not have to pay shipping, or wait for a single spool of thread to be mailed...

So...I was hoping to get some guidance on how to use what I CAN get here...


What I can get includes...C&C just about everything - though I've read here that it's less-than-desirable. I can get Mettler Metrosene Plus. I can get Guttermann polyester thread, silk thread, cotting quilting thread, and topstitching thread. I can get Sulky embroidery threads.

Sooo...

My idea was to use the Metrosene Plus for all stretch fabrics, and synthetics. I'll topstitch with Guttermann, or C&C if I have to. I'm actually thinking of using 2 strands of rayon emroidery thread to topstitch a blouse I'm currently working on (the color match is great, and the shine looks good).

My biggest dilemma is cottons and silks. My next project is to be a silk georgette blouse. From my reading it sounds like many suggest Mettler silk-finish cotton thread for "natural" fabrics, and for fine silks. I can't get it here. so...Metrosene plus? Cotton quilting thread? Silk thread?

Any help would be much appreciated!!!!!


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heather

I **was** on a 2008 fabric fast. My numbers have been removed (for obvious reasons) ;-)
  
Member since 1/24/06
Posts: 98
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Posted on: 2/24/06 3:58 PM ET
Honestly, I use Coats & Clark all the time and don't have problems. I always have, unless I can't find a good color match; then I'll hop over the Metrosene.
  
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Member since 7/30/02
Posts: 8991
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Posted on: 2/24/06 7:30 PM ET
Some machines are fussier about thread than others. Mine is medium fussy; it's actually complained the most about some of the Guterman lately. If your machine is happy with Coats & Clark, go ahead and use it! It might be a little fuzzier than Metrosene, but should hold up fine.

If you are doing something extra special, or heirloom sewing, then I'd move into a more consistent thread.

I like silk thread a lot; it blends very nicely into the fabric and seams.

For poly thread, I also like Robinson-Anton thread, although I'm not really certain where I can get it on a regular basis.

I'm certain you would do well using the Metrosene Plus for any of the applications that you mentioned.

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With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
  
Member since 12/4/05
Posts: 70
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Posted on: 2/24/06 9:43 PM ET
Quote:
it's actually complained the most about some of the Guterman lately.


It isn't just your machine. I have been having trouble with Guterman too. The last couple of spools had nubby thread. I got annoyed and bought C&C (my only two options here). It worked so much smoother in my machine and the auto threaded works perfectly every time with it.
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Terry
  
Member since 8/31/03
Posts: 888
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Posted on: 2/24/06 9:55 PM ET
I've had some pretty furry spools of Mettler, too. I don't know if the color has anything to do with it, as some dyes are harsher than others. I haven't had any trouble with Gutterman. C&C can be a problem at times, but when I want a really good color match, I sometimes have to go with it.

There is really no reason that you have to use silk or cotton threads, unless you're planning to dye your garment sometime. Silk thread is really nice, and disappears into the fabric beautifully. It seems to take on some of the color of the fabric you're using it on (reflects it a little, I think) and so you can get away with what may seem like a not very good color match, and once it's sewn, it will be fine. Linda Lee of the Sewing Workshop recommends using various shades of gray plus black and white, and that will get you through anything.
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Liana
http://sewintriguing.blogspot.com/
http://artisanssquare.com/sg/
http://www.pbase.com/lianasews
  
Member since 1/3/06
Posts: 472
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Posted on: 2/24/06 11:12 PM ET
Thanks, everyone! As I read through the archived info here, and old discussions, it seemed that folks felt really strogly about thread choice.

Maybe not - which would be nice, actually!

I grew up on C&C - and never knew there were problems with it (I didn't know what the heck those skinny spools of thread next to the C&C were for!) The fuzzies do annoy me , though.

I'll experiment a little.
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heather

I **was** on a 2008 fabric fast. My numbers have been removed (for obvious reasons) ;-)
  
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